Why Hire LegalGenius for Your Car Accident Case?

After a car accident, you’re left dealing with injuries, bills, and insurance companies that seem more interested in their bottom line than your recovery. Here’s why working with us is the right move for your car accident claim:  

• We Care About Our Clients: At LegalGenius, you’re a person who deserves real support. We take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions, and make sure you never feel left in the dark. When you call, we pick up. When you need help, we’re there. It’s that simple.  
• We Know How to Win Against Insurance Companies: Insurance companies don’t hand out fair settlements easily. They use tactics to minimize your payout or deny your claim altogether. Our team knows these strategies inside and out, and we won’t let them take advantage of you. We fight aggressively to get you the compensation you need.  
• Experience That Makes a Difference: Managing Partner Jeffrey Perlman has built a reputation for taking on tough cases and winning. When you work with us, you get a highly experienced team that’s determined to get results for you.  
• No Upfront Fees: You Pay Only If We Win:  Worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer? Don’t be. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case. No hidden fees, no surprises: just a commitment to fighting for your best outcome.  
• We Move Fast to Get You Results: Time is critical after a car accident. Evidence can disappear, witness memories fade, and insurance companies waste no time building their case against you. We get to work immediately, gathering evidence, filing claims, and making sure no detail is overlooked. The sooner you call us, the stronger your case will be.  

At the end of the day, you need a law firm that treats you like a person, not a paycheck. That’s what we do at LegalGenius. If you’ve been in a car accident in Southfield, don’t wait: reach out to us today, and let’s start fighting for your compensation.

Common Car Accident Types in Southfield

Car accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, and for all kinds of reasons. Some are minor fender benders, while others result in disability or death. Here are some of the most common types of car accidents in Michigan and what you need to know about each one.  

• Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end crashes are one of the most common types of accidents, often caused by distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden stops. Even at low speeds, these crashes can cause painful injuries like whiplash, back strain, and concussions.  
• T-Bone Accidents: Also known as side-impact collisions, T-bone crashes happen when one car slams into the side of another, usually at an intersection. These accidents are especially dangerous because the side of a car has less protection than the front or back. They’re often caused by drivers running red lights, failing to yield, or misjudging traffic signals.  
• Head-On Collisions: Head-on crashes are among the deadliest types of accidents. When two vehicles collide front-to-front, the impact force is doubled, making serious injuries or fatalities much more likely. These accidents often result from drivers crossing the centerline, going the wrong way, or losing control due to weather or impairment.  
• Sideswipe Accidents: Sideswipe accidents can happen when drivers aren’t paying attention, fail to check their blind spots, or attempt unsafe lane changes. While these crashes can sometimes be minor, they can also lead to serious pileups if a driver overcorrects or loses control.  
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Michigan’s highways are no stranger to multi-car pileups, especially in winter. When roads are icy or visibility is low, one small mistake can quickly turn into a chain reaction involving several vehicles. These accidents can be chaotic, making it difficult to determine fault and get fair compensation. 
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: Hit-and-run accidents happen more often than you’d think, and they leave victims struggling with injuries and repair costs. In Michigan, you may still be able to recover damages through your own insurance, but it’s important to act fast and report the crash.  
• Accidents Involving Pedestrians or Cyclists: Drivers aren’t the only ones at risk on Michigan roads. Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable in collisions because they don’t have the protection of a vehicle. These accidents often happen at crosswalks, in parking lots, or when drivers fail to check their surroundings before turning.  

No matter what type of accident you were in, one thing is clear: you shouldn’t have to handle the aftermath alone. At LegalGenius, we fight to make sure you get the compensation you need to recover.

Who Pays Your Bills After a Car Accident in Southfield?

After a car accident, the bills start piling up fast: medical expenses, car repairs, and lost wages if you can’t work. It’s stressful, and the last thing you need is a fight over who’s responsible for covering the costs. Michigan has a no-fault insurance system, which means your own insurance company pays for certain expenses, no matter who caused the crash. But that doesn’t mean getting the compensation you need will be easy. Here’s what you need to know about who pays for what after an accident in Southfield.  

Your No-Fault Insurance Covers Medical Bills and Lost Wages 

Michigan’s no-fault insurance law requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This is what pays for your medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost income if you’re unable to work. Depending on your policy, PIP may also cover in-home care if your injuries leave you unable to take care of yourself. The downside is that insurance companies don’t always make the process easy, and they may try to limit or deny payments.  

Your Insurance May Cover Car Repairs (But Not Always) 

No-fault insurance only covers injuries, not damage to your car. If you have collision coverage, your insurance company will pay for repairs, minus your deductible. If you don’t have collision coverage, you may have to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance (assuming they have enough coverage to pay for the damage).  

If Someone Else Caused the Crash, Their Insurance May Pay 

Michigan’s no-fault system limits your ability to sue, but there are exceptions. If another driver caused your accident and you suffered serious injuries, you may be able to file a lawsuit against them for pain and suffering, medical expenses beyond what your PIP covers, and other damages. This is called a third-party claim, and it’s one of the few ways to hold a negligent driver financially responsible.  

Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers: What Happens Then? 

Some drivers don’t carry insurance or don’t have enough to cover your losses. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) on your policy, it can step in to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the at-fault driver can’t pay. This coverage is optional in Michigan, but it can make a huge difference in situations like these. 

What Compensation Can You Receive in a Car Accident Claim?

As we explained earlier, Michigan’s no-fault insurance system plays a big role in what you can recover, but depending on your case, you may be able to seek additional damages. Here’s what you need to know about the compensation available in a car accident claim.  

• Medical Expenses: Your no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers medical bills related to the accident. This includes hospital stays, doctor visits, surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, and even long-term care if needed. If your injuries are serious and exceed your PIP coverage, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for additional medical expenses.  
• Lost Wages and Income:  If your injuries keep you from working, PIP benefits will cover a portion of your lost wages (typically up to 85% of your usual earnings) for up to three years. If your income loss is significant and extends beyond what PIP covers, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver to recover the rest.  
• Pain and Suffering: Not all losses are financial. Car accidents can leave you dealing with serious pain, emotional trauma, and a reduced quality of life. If your injuries are severe enough to meet Michigan’s legal threshold, you may be able to pursue compensation for pain and suffering through a third-party lawsuit. This can include physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact the accident has had on your daily life.  
• Vehicle Repairs or Replacement: PIP doesn’t cover car damage, but if you have collision coverage, your insurance will help pay for repairs (minus your deductible). If another driver was at fault, their insurance should cover vehicle repairs under property damage liability. If they don’t have enough coverage—or no insurance at all—you may have to rely on your own policy.  
• Household and In-Home Care Services: If your injuries make it difficult to handle daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or personal care, PIP may cover the cost of hiring help. This is often referred to as “replacement services,” and it’s available for up to three years after the accident. 
• Wrongful Death Damages: If a car accident results in the loss of a loved one, their family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This can include compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering caused by the death. Michigan has strict laws on who can file these claims, so getting legal guidance is crucial. 

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Michigan?

Michigan law has strict deadlines for different types of claims, and missing them could mean losing your right to compensation. Here’s what you need to know about the time limits for filing a car accident claim.  

• No-Fault Insurance (PIP) Claims: Michigan’s no-fault law requires you to file a claim with your own insurance company for medical expenses, lost wages, and other PIP benefits within one year of the accident. If you miss this deadline, your insurance company can refuse to pay, leaving you responsible for your bills.  
• Property Damage Claims: If another driver was at fault and you’re filing a claim against their insurance for vehicle damage, you have up to three years from the date of the accident to take legal action. However, if you’re using your own collision coverage, your insurance policy may have a shorter deadline, so it’s best to act fast.  
• Third-Party Injury Lawsuits: If your injuries are serious and meet Michigan’s legal threshold, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering. The deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long, the court will likely dismiss your case, no matter how strong your claim is.  
• Wrongful Death Claims: If a car accident results in a fatality, the victim’s family has three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault driver. These cases can be complicated, so speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible is important.  
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims: If you were hit by a driver without insurance or not enough coverage, you may need to file an uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claim with your own insurance. The deadline for these claims depends on your policy: some companies require you to notify them within 30 days, while others allow up to three years.  

Even if you have time, waiting too long to file a claim can hurt your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies use delays as an excuse to deny or reduce payments. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of getting the compensation you are entitled to.

Get a Free Consultation From a Southfield Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident can leave you with injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and a lot of unanswered questions. Michigan’s no-fault laws are also complicated, and insurance companies aren’t looking out for your best interests, but LegalGenius is. We fight to make sure you get the compensation you deserve, whether it’s from your own insurance or the at-fault driver.  

Don’t wait until the bills pile up or the insurance company gives you the runaround. The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be. Call LegalGenius today for a free consultation, and let’s talk about how we can help. There’s no risk: we don’t get paid unless we win for you. To learn more, fill out our Ask the Genius™ form or call 1-800-209-4000 today.